Blue Penguins Pukekura
Discover Kororā, the Little Blue Penguin, the world's smallest penguin, in their natural habitat - scurrying up to their cliff-face burrows at Pilots Beach on the Otago Peninsula. After a day at sea, the penguins congregate in groups known as "rafts" not far offshore where they often can be heard vocalising - usually short, loud squawks. At dusk penguins come ashore and make their way to their nests where they feed their chicks or roost.
Pukekura was a significant Māori settlement or pā located on Taiaroa Head, the headland that rises over Pilots Beach. From the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century the pā was home to the Kai Tahu tribe.
Location
Tour Information
Access to Pilots Beach reserve is restricted from one hour before sunset to 8am during the penguin breeding season (September - April). Access during this time is permitted only when accompanied by a Pukekura volunteer guide.
Visitors and guides assemble in the Albatross Centre car park one hour before sunset and enter the reserve to await the penguins return. Visitor numbers are limited and entry is on a first come, first served basis. The assembly timetable is constantly changing. Details can be found below and are also posted on the notice board located in the Royal Albatross Centre car park.
Tours are free but any donation will help support the guides and improve the facilities. Thank you for respecting this fragile environment.
Upcoming Tour Times
| Date | Tour starts | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, 21 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:06pm |
| Tue, 22 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:05pm |
| Wed, 23 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:04pm |
| Thu, 24 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:03pm |
| Fri, 25 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:02pm |
| Sat, 26 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:02pm |
| Sun, 27 May 2012 | 4:15pm | 5:01pm |
